Hi all! This question goes to people who do this 'on the side' or who started out that way.
Right now I make cakes on the side, as well as being a stay at home mommy. I didn't intend to do this as a business and started out just making cakes for friends and family but by word of mouth things have REALLY taken off. Lately I have been getting so many orders that I'm starting to think it's too much work for just me. I don't know if I'm just being kinda lame but I'm really thinking that I may have to employ someone to help me out.
I guess I'd like to know how many cakes you all do or did at this stage in the game and when you know it's time to start expanding?
Thanks 
I only do 1-2 cakes a week...I am also a stay home mom with an active 3 year old boy. I rent a commercial kitchen and it's hard for me to get out there. If I get more orders than I can handle, I refer them to one of my old Wilton instructors. I have no idea how I would go about "employing" someone to help me out with my type of operation!!
You didn't say whether or not you have a licensed kitchen. I know in Texas you can't sell home baked goods unless you have a separate kitchen.
In terms of hiring an employee, you have to get a federal taxpayer employer ID number in order to hire help. You cannot pay them 'under the table' or consider them a consultant. In my job, I have dealt with employers who failed to follow the rules and the IRS does not have a sense of humor.
If you do have a legal business, and are still too busy, one way to deal, is to raise your prices. Same work, more money.
I also do about 1-2 cakes per week. I recently made myself a new policy that I would try to hold it down to 1 complicated cake weekly (wedding and sculptured or other tiered cakes) or 2 simple cakes per week. That way I won't go nuts and start hating this before I really get going.
With the Midwest Culinary Institute close by, I've had students call me asking for intern jobs. So if you have a school nearby, you might consider asking them who might be willing to help you out here and there. Of course, you'd have to be legal and have the tax id #. But that might work, interns are notorious for taking whatever work/experience they can get.
JStar ----- is exactly my story was a hobby and little by little word of mouth I'm selling and I'm scared I won't be able to keep up that's without advertising!!! I'm currently looking for a kitchen to rent and with that more things to worry about good luck to you
HA! I tried raising my prices hoping that I could do less cakes for the same money.... didn't work. I have more work than ever, but hey I'm making more money. My sanity is another issue I guess. I had 4 big orders today and almost didn't get to sleep any before having to go to work tonight. Lookin' forward to sleeping tomorrow.
im still doing this on the side trying to get legal, etc
i dont do many cakes at all..maybe 1-2 a month!
what i have done th ough is built a network with other decorators. (although its been one sided so far hahhaa) if i get a call for someone who wants a small cake on the other side of town i give the customer a couple of contact to call who are in her area.
I also am still doing this on the side, with three kids of my own. I average 1 per week but that seems to be plenty for me!
Yeah, one a week was plenty for me too! I'm getting way above that now though which is why I'm wondering if I should try to expand and get a licensed kitchen and some help etc. Like I said in my original posting, I wasn't intending on doing this as a business but this past year it has got really out of hand! I don't know what the deal is, I'm not even very good - especially compared to you guys on here.
I guess people in this area like 'quirky' cakes! lol
I'm still working from home, and sometimes it can get a bit too much! I only have a tiny galley style kitchen and a little European oven to work with (not to mention only about 1 square foot of counter space!!!).
I think I've taken on too much for next weekend - I have a fondant canoe to serve 70, a fondant guitar to serve 30, a dolphin/sea theme cake to serve 50 and a 24 piece cupcake cake with a chocolate transfer to do for 24th!!!
I've tried to schedule as much prep work as possible beforehand - but I'm already behind on that. Plus I have work, and the kids and the house to cope with too! Oh, and did I mention that my 4 yr old has the day off school next Friday???!!! If I get through next week without having a major breakdown, then I've decided that I can pretty much tackle anything - my problem is saying no, but when that phone rings on Monday for more cakes next week, I will have to say NO!
Good luck with whatever you decide!
JStar- if you feel that expanding your work and hiring out help with pay(continuously) then by all means you should do it! I guess I always look at the what-ifs, what if it slows down and I waisted the money to expand and what if having too much work makes me hate what I now LOVE doing.. I guess you just have to search your heart to see if this is financially and emotionally an untertaking you want!
Good luck and think, it is a compliment that you are as busy as you are! People must love your cakes!
Congrats!
Right now I work full time at a "day" job. I only make cakes for my friends at work. I do 1-2 a week. We have several girls expecting right now, so it has been a little more than usual with all the Baby Showers. I would like for this to be more, but I am scared to let loose of my steady paycheck!!! With my last promotion, I was making more than my hubby, so I hate to give up all I've worked for!!
We hope to build a garage soon and if I do, I plan to put a kitchen in it and try to have a shop, but still just part time.
Good luck with what you decide! Maybe if you just take a break from time to time you won't get burned out! I love cake decorating, but on the weeks I don't have one, I feel like it is a mini vacation!
I am also doing this on the side...( I am layed off from my job..It has been almost 7 months I think)...And now I do around 4-6 a week. Getting to busy for me by myself.
When I go back to work...there is NO way I am goin to be able to continue, which is sad. Cause I really enjoy it and I don't want to turn anyone away right now.
I don't know how my job looks....Automotive industry.
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